Page 316 of Reaper Said Mine

Truth makes an excellent club when polished properly.

Ursa speaks, her voice clear enough to cut through every cough and shifting chair. “The public record is now too broad to suppress. If this negotiation fails and any side resumes escalation, the next release package identifies specific decision-makers, funding channels, and authorizations connected to renewed hostilities. That is not a threat. It is a publication schedule.”

Bellamy mutters, not quite quietly enough, “It is a little bit a threat.”

Rana says, “A classy one.”

The Combine negotiator looks ill.

Theryki’s mouth twitches.

Vice Admiral Gant studies Ursa with open respect. “Ms. Ramone, you understand that some materials remain disputed.”

Ursa smiles politely. “Then dispute them in front of the galaxy.”

That ends the objection.

I lean forward, placing both hands on the treaty table. The room pays attention because bodies remember size before politics teaches them manners.

“Here are my terms. Reaper territory remains under Reaper civil administration. Coalition emergency military authority ends upon signing and transitions to monitored withdrawal. Alliance containment doctrine is suspended within the agreed Badlands corridor. Combine corporate fleets and private security assets withdraw from contested lanes, and an independent tribunal reviews claims tied to fabricated distress signals, unlawful attacks, and refugee-targeting operations.”

Valez clears his throat. “The Combine cannot accept language implying criminal liability before investigation.”

“You funded the attack on Ursa’s ship.”

His face tightens. “That remains unproven.”

Ursa taps her console. A recording appears of one of the captured boarders naming three Combine-affiliated security officers, two shell companies, and the payment channel used to route the contract through a medical inspection front.

Valez stares at the display.

I show my teeth. “Now it remains inconvenient.”

Skahar chuckles softly. “A beautiful legal distinction.”

Theryki inclines her head. “The Coalition will accept withdrawal language tied to civilian corridor stabilization, provided neutral monitors certify that Reaper forces do not resume raiding under cover of sovereignty.”

Several Reaper captains behind me growl.

I lift one hand.

They fall silent.

Ursa watches me. I feel her attention like warmth across the bond.

“We accept monitored neutrality,” I say. “We do not accept occupation wearing a cleaner uniform.”

Vice Admiral Gant nods. “The Alliance can support monitored neutrality if the corridor remains open to neutral trade, humanitarian inspection, and civilian evacuation guarantees. We will not accept a hidden Coalition military foothold.”

Theryki’s golden eyes sharpen. “Nor will the Coalition accept Alliance warships hovering close enough to claim every neutral freighter as probable cause.”

“Then both of you can leave,” I say.

The hall quiets.

I let the words sit.

“Withdraw in stages. Publicly. With route maps recorded. Coalition ships leave Reaper lanes as civilian shelters stabilize. Alliance ships retreat beyond the Trask Fold as Coalition withdrawal progresses. Reaper patrols hold defensive positions only. Combine security assets leave contested systems entirely.”